Bench Boost by Inorganic Ventures

Understanding Colorimetric Methods

Send us a textColorimetric chemistry may seem simple, but getting reliable results takes precision.In this episode, the team breaks down the fundamentals of colorimetric methods, from basic indicators to more advanced workflows using benchtop spectrometers and discrete analyzers. They compare the pros and cons of each approach, share practical advice for pipetting accuracy, and highlight industries (like environmental, food, and pharma) where these methods are still essential.Plus, Liv and Ashley share tips on reagent handling, photosensitive reactions, and instrument setup to help labs get the most from their colorimetric testing—whether you're working with pool water or cyanide.

Palladium Sample Prep & Interference Management

Send us a textIn this episode, the team dives into palladium sample preparation for a variety of matrices—metals, alloys, oxides, organics, and ores—highlighting the best acid choices and digestion strategies from our sample prep guide.The team also discusses common challenges when analyzing palladium using ICP-OES and ICP-MS, including isobaric and polyatomic interferences, oxide formation, and how trace organics can destabilize your results.Need more guidance? The full prep guide is available on our website.

Rare Earths, Clean Data, and Smarter Detection

Send us a textIn this episode, the Inorganic Ventures technical team answers real questions from labs in the field—covering environmental contamination solutions, rare earth stability, acid purity, and practical tips for improving detection limits. It’s an inside look at how small changes in setup and prep can make a big difference in data quality.

Sample Prep & ICP Testing for Nickel

Send us a textNickel is common across many sample types, but prepping and testing it isn’t always straightforward.In this episode, Liv Forbes joins Mike Booth to walk through Inorganic Ventures’ sample preparation strategies for nickel, covering dissolution tips for metals, alloys, oxides, ores, and organic matrices. They also dig into the challenges of ICP-MS analysis, including isobaric and polyatomic interferences, and share how to reduce contamination risks during sample handling.For labs working with nickel in alloys, catalysts, or environmental samples, this one’s packed with practical advice you can apply right away.

Improving Oil Testing with Aqueous Hybrid Standards

Send us a textThis week, we’re introducing a new method developed at Inorganic Ventures for analyzing oil samples using aqueous metal standards in a hybrid organic-aqueous solvent matrix—a solution that brings stability, cleaner data, and wider element compatibility to wear metals testing.Madeline Gozzi joins Mike to explain how this method was designed to align with ASTM 5185 and 6595, and how our proprietary solvent is improving lab workflows with better solubility, built-in internal standards, and cleaner sulfur analysis. They also break down real-world validation efforts, including testing with NIST SRMs, dirty motor oil, and even biodiesel feedstocks.The method is now available for beta testing. Tune in to learn more.